TRILLA, Ill. — A small plane carrying four people crashed into a field in rural Illinois on the morning of April 19, killing everyone on board, authorities confirmed.
Illinois State Police said the single-engine aircraft went down around 10:15 a.m. near a roadway in Trilla, an unincorporated community in south-central Illinois. The victims — identified as Ross Nelson, 46; Raimi Rundle, 45; Courtney Morrow, 36; and Michael Morrow, 48 — were all residents of Menomonie, Wisconsin. All four were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Menomonie community is in mourning after four of its residents — Ross Nelson, 46; Raimi Rundle, 45; Courtney Morrow, 36; and Michael Morrow, 48 — tragically lost their lives in a plane crash in rural Illinois over the weekend.
News of the tragedy has sent shockwaves through Menomonie, a tight-knit community where the victims were well-known and deeply loved. Friends and family members describe Ross, Raimi, Courtney, and Michael as vibrant, kind-hearted individuals who made lasting impacts in their professional lives and among those closest to them.
“Each of them brought something special to our town,” said a family friend. “Their loss leaves a hole that words simply cannot fill.”
Ross Nelson was remembered as a passionate outdoorsman and a trusted friend. Raimi Rundle was known for her kindness and strong community spirit. Courtney and Michael Morrow, a couple dedicated to both their careers and their family, were beloved by all who knew them.
Local leaders have also extended their condolences. “Our hearts are broken for the families and loved ones of Ross, Raimi, Courtney, and Michael,” a statement from the city said. “Menomonie stands together in grieving this profound loss.”
A vigil is being planned to honor their memories, with details expected to be announced in the coming days. Counselors and grief support services are also being made available to help community members cope with the tragedy.
As Menomonie mourns, many are remembering the four lives lost not just for how they died, but for how they lived — with warmth, passion, and love for their families and their community.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the plane involved was a Cessna 180. The crash occurred southeast of Coles County Memorial Airport in Mattoon, a city of roughly 16,000 residents located about 80 miles southeast of Springfield.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the crash. Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation.
“The aircraft remained in the roadway, which was closed to traffic until approximately 5:00 p.m. on April 20,” Illinois State Police said in a statement.
Governor JB Pritzker responded to the tragedy on social media, stating, “My administration is monitoring the situation as we keep those impacted by the plane crash in our thoughts today. Thank you to the first responders who rushed to the scene.”
Officials said updates would be provided as the investigation continues.